Best Telluride Hikes

by Rod Martinez

Hikes chosen, described, and photographed by experienced members of the Colorado Mountain Club

A wide variety of hikes, from family- and wheelchair-friendly to difficult treks

Fits in your pocket or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout the book

The Best Telluride Hikes continues the series of best-selling pack guides published by CMC Press since 28. The trails range from the scenic and wheelchair-accessible Idarado Legacy Trail, at the east end of town, which provides a window into Telluride's past with its educative plaques that line the paved path, to the challenging Bilk Creek Basin Trail, southwest of town, in the Lizard Head Wilderness, which is known for its picturesque waterfalls.

All of the hikes in this fit-in-your-pocket guide are within an hour or so drive of Telluride, not only giving the hiker options in and around town but also close to other prominent towns in the northern San Juans, such as Ouray- known as the Switzerland of America. Each hike offers a glimpse into what many consider the most beautiful part of Colorado, taking you to the base of the incomparable rock spire Lizard Head (perhaps the most difficult summit to ascend in Colorado), to Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's tallest free falling waterfall, cascading 365 feet to the base of the box canyon below.

In addition to detailed comments, route descriptions, and directions, each of the 2 hikes contains a map segment, elevation gain, difficulty rating, estimated time of the hike, round-trip distance, and nearest landmark.